The Hudson River Valley region, which stretches 150 miles between Albany and Manhattan, attracts artists, foodies, nature lovers, and just about anyone else looking for a slower change of pace that’s not too far off the beaten path. National Geographic chose the Hudson Valley as one of its top 20 travel destinations in 2013, and it’s not hard to see why.
Let’s take a look at everything there is for active adults to love about the Hudson River Valley.
Location
The entire Hudson Valley is a designated National Historic Area with river towns like Cortlandt dating back to the 1600s and some of the oldest vineyards in the nation. The Hudson Valley has a rich agricultural history. Because the surrounding New England and Catskills areas are more mountainous, this area was a prime location for bountiful farms in the 1700s. Today, the Hudson Valley is a leader in the farm-to-table movement, investing in sustainable farming practices.
Climate
This region features a humid continental climate and is sometimes buffeted by severe storms, sandwiched as it is between the Atlantic Coast and the Great Lakes. Summer temperatures tend to be pleasant and mild, averaging in the 70s and 80s. Winters can get brisk as temperatures dip below zero, and the area sees its share of precipitation throughout the year.
Local Attractions
From culinary tours to haunted history trails to a bird’s eye view from a hot-air balloon, you can find many unique ways to explore the Carmel area, which is loosely scattered around the mid and lower Hudson Valley across four counties—Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, and Westchester. Westchester County is closest to New York City, just 30 miles away.
The area attracts urban commuters not only for its location but for cultural venues and other attractions that don’t require a trek back into the city. The landscape is dotted with miles of hiking and biking trails, great golf courses, and kayaking and sailing on the area’s waterways and lakes. Also, just to the west, Orange County is nestled between the Delaware River and the Hudson River, making it a destination for kayaking and canoeing. In addition to this, it boasts some of the best scenery in the Hudson Valley.
The oldest winery in America is located here, in addition to a wide variety of other local vineyards and breweries. You can also take a tour along the Dutchess County Wine Trail, which is book-ended by two distinctive wineries with orchards, woodlands, and equestrian farms in between. The main campus of the Culinary Institute of America is nearby and invites residents and visitors to join one of its boot camps or dine at a student-staffed restaurant.
Putnam County, just north of Westchester, is home to woodland nature trails and a pristine natural watershed. Many New York City commuters end up settling here, especially the picturesque hamlet of Carmel, for its comparatively lower cost of living and home prices.
One of the county’s most famous landmarks is the Chuang Yen Monastery, home of North America’s largest indoor Buddha statue and open to the public for tours of its peaceful gardens. The Carmel area is popular among retirees because of its relaxed pace and endless recreational opportunities.
Cost of Living
The Hudson Valley has a significantly higher cost of living compared to the rest of the country (in some cases it’s nearly double). In the Carmel area, Westchester County is the highest, followed by Putnam, Dutchess, and Orange. Active adults who are looking to relocate to the historic Hudson Valley with convenient access to New York City will find an idyllic retreat in the Carmel area.
Recommended Communities
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The Retreat at Carmel – Carmel, NY
Mid $400s – Mid $700s
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Heritage Hills – Somers, NY
Mid $300s – Low $700s
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Jefferson Village – Yorktown Heights, NY
Mid $100s – Low $500s
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Regency at Fishkill – Fishkill, NY
High $300s – High $400s
